At this moment, Yu Feibai gestured expansively. "Such a massive area—think how much gold and silver treasure could be interred here. Even if it's only occupying a third or a fifth of the space, that's still a staggering fortune."

"Treasure?"

Fang Mingsheng's eyes lit up. He couldn't help leaning closer to inquire, "Really?"

"Don't listen to his nonsense," Wang Guan shook his head, chuckling. "He’s having a bout of megalomania again; he sees treasure in everything."

"You're the one talking nonsense," Yu Feibai retorted unhappily. "Even if it's speculation, I have some basis for it. Otherwise, why bother constructing a subterranean palace? Was it just because they had nothing better to do?"

"That makes sense," Fang Mingsheng nodded, agreeing with Yu Feibai’s assessment. Simultaneously, a faint regret surfaced in his mind; if only he had been the one to open that mechanism box and discover the map inside...

As his thoughts drifted, Elder Hou and Professor Wen returned.

"What are you all chatting about? It sounds lively in here?"

Elder Hou walked in, carrying a box of food, and smiled gently. "The conditions are simple; please forgive us if the food isn't to your taste. Once this matter is concluded, we'll return to Luoyang for a proper banquet at a fine hotel."

"Elder Hou, you're too kind. The food here is quite good," Wang Guan replied with a smile. "The portions are generous; I’m quite full."

"If you like it, eat some more," Professor Wen said, his eyes twinkling. "After eating, take a stroll outside; it aids digestion. Have you visited Luoyang before? Actually, Mount Mang isn't just famous for its tombs; the scenery is quite nice too."

"For instance, the Huangfengtan scenic spot in Du Fu's cemetery, and the Shangqing Palace, where Laozi is reputed to have refined elixirs."

Professor Wen listed them enthusiastically, recommending, "Of course, the best view is the Evening Vista of Mount Mang. At sunset, looking out from the heights of Mount Mang, the splendor of the Yi and Luo rivers unfolds beneath you. The myriad lights of the city resemble countless stars in the sky—absolutely breathtaking. It’s one of the Eight Great Sights of Luoyang; you absolutely cannot miss it."

Seeing this, Wang Guan and the others exchanged glances. Even the slowest among them knew something had shifted. After all, their discussion had been focused on continuing to decipher the mechanisms after the meal, but Professor Wen’s demeanor clearly indicated he intended to send them away. This sudden reversal, faster than turning a page, naturally surprised them.

Wang Guan remained relatively composed, but Yu Feibai, whether genuinely confused or pretending, intentionally asked, "We're not deciphering the mechanisms anymore?"

"There’s no rush for that," Professor Wen said, slightly embarrassed. But at his age, he no longer cared much for saving face, nor did he fret over internal contradictions in his own words. He maintained a beaming smile. "We have plenty of time; we can solve it slowly. After all, cracking mechanisms is mentally draining work; it requires a clear head and a cheerful disposition..."

After offering some words that perhaps even he didn't believe, Professor Wen finally revealed his true intention: "You've all had a rushed journey coming here today, so this afternoon, you should walk around and enjoy the nearby scenery. We can discuss matters tomorrow; there's no need to rush things."

Hearing this, Wang Guan grew thoughtful and glanced at Elder Hou, who gave a slight nod. Wang Guan immediately smiled. "Since that's the case, we'll follow Professor Wen's arrangements."

"Good."

Wang Guan was perceptive, and Professor Wen was delighted. He immediately urged, "Everyone, finish your meal, and then I'll have someone arrange a guide to show you the sights of Mount Mang."

Soon after, lunch concluded. Professor Wen kept his promise and assigned a young man to accompany Wang Guan and the others on a slow wander around the area, eventually leading them to the Shangqing Palace on Cuiyun Peak.

Legend holds that Taoism possesses thirty-six grotto-heavens and seventy-two blessed lands, all places where immortals reside, rest, and cultivate. Northern Mount Mang is recorded as one of the seventy-two blessed lands in Taoist lore, where Taishang Laojun is said to have refined the elixir of immortality. Consequently, Taoist structures were built here during the Tang Dynasty, initially called the Laojun Temple, which was upgraded to a Taoist palace during the Kaiyuan era of the Tang Dynasty.

According to historical records, the Shangqing Palace at that time boasted magnificent scale and towering halls, with stone lions and horses outside the gates, and within, the Thousand Officials and Five Sages mural painted by the Sage of Painting, Wu Daozi—it was extraordinarily splendid. Du Fu once visited here, surveying the landscape of Luoyang and composing the famous line: "The mountains and rivers are embroidered behind the doors, the sun and moon are close to the carved beams." Su Dongpo of the Song Dynasty also inscribed a poem on a rock at this spot.

From the Tang Dynasty through the Five Dynasties, Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing, the Shangqing Palace experienced cycles of decline and prosperity, yet its general layout and scale remained intact.

However, during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, it suffered severe damage from Japanese bombing, with only a few halls surviving. Therefore, as Wang Guan and the others toured the Taoist temple now, they could not experience its ancient grandeur; they could only rely on the accounts of others to recall its former glory.

Of course, Yu Feibai had seen plenty of Taoist temples and naturally held no interest. After casually lighting an incense stick, he nudged Wang Guan and whispered, "What kind of trick are they pulling? Why are they suddenly stopping you from continuing with the mechanisms?"

"Who knows?" Wang Guan mused. "Perhaps they have the same thought as you—they suspect the underground palace is filled with treasures, and their camp clearly lacks sufficient guards. So, they want to delay until tomorrow, gather more personnel, and then open the palace."

"That’s possible," Yu Feibai considered, nodding. "The camp only has a few dozen people, plus a few local police officers. If the palace truly is packed with gold and silver, it would indeed be too much for a scramble."

"Stop talking nonsense," Wang Guan smiled. "Don't place too much hope in certain things, or you'll surely be very disappointed."

"Whether I’m disappointed or not doesn't matter," Yu Feibai pouted. "Even if they dig something up, it certainly won't be for us. I haven't helped much, so I don't expect any benefits. But you're different; if the mechanism door opens smoothly, that should count as a major meritorious service. They should at least give you some reward..."

"Especially Elder Zeng; he provided the key clue. It doesn't matter who they overlook, but they can't forget Elder Zeng, right?" Yu Feibai turned abruptly to ask, "Boss Fang, don't you agree?"

"Uh..." Fang Mingsheng paused, then smiled. With his acumen, he knew Yu Feibai’s words were not idle chatter but an attempt to win him over, to forge an alliance, and then pressure the archaeology team. These little maneuvers were tactics he’d long since retired from.

However, he had to admit the method, though cliché, was effective. At least Fang Mingsheng felt Yu Feibai was correct—he might not care about personal gain, but he couldn't ignore Elder Zeng's interests. Or perhaps he knew Elder Zeng didn't care about any spoils from this matter, but if an advantage could be sought, why not seek it?

While Fang Mingsheng was contemplating, Wang Guan, whose gaze was sharper, suddenly raised his hand and waved. "Qinghua, over here!"

Yu Feibai quickly looked and saw Tang Qinghua strolling leisurely beneath the main gate of the temple. Upon hearing the call, she looked up, a smile appearing on her face, and she naturally quickened her pace.

"Did you finish your business?"

"It’s sorted!"

Tang Qinghua nodded, then frowned curiously. "Has your business been resolved too? I was just thinking of finding you after seeing the sights. I didn't expect to run into you here."

"Things got delayed; they aren't resolved yet," Wang Guan smiled. "Since we're idle, we decided to look around."

"Oh." Tang Qinghua looked slightly surprised but was discreet enough not to pry, merely saying with a smile, "That’s great. Boss Zheng was just saying that after we finish at Shangqing Palace, he’d take me to see the Evening Vista spot on Mount Mang."

"It’s barely past noon; what evening vista?" Yu Feibai interjected. "How about we check out the Ancient Tomb Museum instead? Oh right, isn’t there also a Yangshao Culture site? We could go see that too."

"That's a bit far; let's call a car."

As everyone was discussing, someone called out from a distance, "Elder Zheng..."

"Hmm?"

The group looked over. In the distance, a rather lean man with a handlebar mustache was approaching. He was moving quite fast, his face split by a wide smile filled with surprised delight as he called out, "Boss Zheng, long time no see! Seeing how rosy-cheeked you look, business must be booming lately. Congratulations and prosperity!"

"Brother He, you have a way with words. I’m just a small-scale operator; how could I be prosperous?" Boss Zheng replied indifferently. "It’s Brother He who has wide connections and broad access; you must be flourishing, with wealth rolling in."

"Haha, I need Boss Zheng's support for that," the handlebar mustache man chuckled. "I actually have an opportunity right now. I wonder if Boss Zheng would be willing to extend some kindness?"

Hearing this, Boss Zheng frowned slightly and hesitated. "Brother He, let’s discuss that later. As you can see, I’m accompanying a few friends touring; I can’t get away."

"No trouble, no trouble," the handlebar mustache man’s eyes darted around. Suddenly, he smiled. "Boss Zheng’s friends aren't strangers. Since the place isn't far, why not come to my place for a cup of tea and a short rest? Surely Boss Zheng won’t refuse me this courtesy?"

"This..." Boss Zheng looked troubled. After a slight pause, he nodded. "I'll go with you, but my friends have other matters, so they can't accompany me. Perhaps another time when we're free..."

The handlebar mustache man looked left and right, spotting the two or three burly bodyguards next to Fang Mingsheng. He immediately grinned. "Boss Zheng is the guest; the host follows the guest’s wishes. Of course, whatever you say goes. This way, please!"

Boss Zheng nodded slightly, then turned and quietly said, "President Tang, I have something pressing; I must take my leave temporarily. We'll be in touch later."

"Wait a minute!"

Just as Boss Zheng was about to follow the handlebar mustache man, Yu Feibai stopped him. With keen interest, he asked, "Where are you planning to go? Didn't we agree to work together? Why aren't you taking us?"

"Brother Yu, you..." Boss Zheng started to explain, but then the handlebar mustache man laughed loudly. "My friends, please don't misunderstand. I'm not forcing Boss Zheng to do anything wrong. It’s just that I recently acquired a few items, and I wanted to ask him to take a look and give me his appraisal." (To be continued) RS